Pandora's Closet

August 1, 2007
When Pandoras box was opened, all the evils of the world escaped. Only hope was left. The lady also had a closet, it seems, filled with strange shoes, jewelry, and garments, some useful, some beautiful, and others best not touched. Nineteen writers give us stories about some of the items stored in it, such as the Rhinegold, the accursed gold ring that generates wealth (Timothy Zahns The Ring); Dorothy Gales (i.e., the Wicked Witch of the Easts) ruby slippers (Louise Marleys Technicolor); a direly inspirational outer garment (Joe Masdons Jacks Mantle); and 16 other magical items of adornmentand the costs of wearing them. Of generally high quality, the stories are most impressive for their variety. They do, however, rather induce the urge to clean ones closet and squelch the impulse to browse garage sales.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2007, American Library Association.)